I am thinking about getting tickets for this. Chicago is one of my favorite shows and I am curious. I have never visited Japan so am unfamiliar with this troupe. The show will play in July at the Koch Theater as part of Lincoln Center Festival. Anyone familiar with Takarazuka? Thoughts?
Very interesting to have an alternate production play almost practically on Broadway. Thanks for the info, intrigued.
Would love to see this, but sadly no holiday plans for New York this year
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/11
I've seen the troupe several times in Tokyo. Well worth a visit.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/20/05
Takarazuka are a hell of an experience, and if you can get a ticket, go. Just be aware that it will not look, sound, or be acted anything like you'd expect.
Leading Actor Joined: 9/16/15
I wonder if they'll be performing it in Japanese or English in NYC?
Stand-by Joined: 4/21/15
c0113g3b0y said: "I wonder if they'll be performing it in Japanese or English in NYC?
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Japanese with English subs:
http://lincolncenterfestival.org/2016/takarazuka-chicago
I am very intrigued. Looking forward to seeing it!
Perhaps someone will mount an all-male production at some point?
Thanks Wilmington and exedore for your comments. I just purchased tix.
Takarazuka has an unique culture and definitely has a long history (100+ years) of producing all female shows. In order to be on the stage of Takarazuka, you have to apply and take an entrance exam for two year Takarazuka music school, no exception.
Those actresses who will come to NY for Chicago, they "graduated" from Takarazuka and now perform on other stages. You can see a video clip of their Chicago. BTW Youka Wao is a wife of Frank Wildhorn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMLlDKMl9HQ
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/05
exedore said: "Takarazuka are a hell of an experience, and if you can get a ticket, go. Just be aware that it will not look, sound, or be acted anything like you'd expect."
Well, the clips sure don't make it look or sound any different than what is on stage at the Ambassador Theatre (excepting actresses playing men, of course).
Updated On: 1/24/16 at 07:41 PM
Those Takarazuka fans are so dedicated, it's like Redsocks fans. They travel EVERYWHERE for their performers, so I won't be surprised that the tickets will be sold out quickly. Yes they'll come from Japan and possibly see all the performances (seven?) once they get here. So to experience one of Japanese cultural phenomenons without traveling there, you should get a ticket once it's on sale.
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